OREANDA-NEWS. Rio Tinto has welcomed 14 new indigenous people to the Ralpa work-readiness programme with a visit to its bauxite operations in Gove.

The nine week programme, funded by Rio Tinto, is designed to provide participants with new skills and qualifications and prepare them for full-time employment in the local community.

Ralpa is Yolngu for “get ready, get moving” and is a partnership between Gove Operations, local Traditional Owners and Miwatj Employment Participation Ltd.

Rio Tinto Gove Operations general manager Ben Devries said “We are pleased to welcome the first intake of indigenous locals to this year’s Ralpa programme.

“The Ralpa programme introduces Yolngu people to local employers and provides practical experience whilst also helping them to obtain qualifications for work such as First Aid training, Drivers’ Licenses and Construction White Cards.

“More than 110 people have graduated from the programme since its inception in 2012 and we’re confident this year’s new starters have the capability of securing employment.

“We are looking forward to helping these future Yolngu leaders on their path to meaningful employment.”

The male and female participants come from communities across the region including Yirrkala, Gunyangara, Nhulunbuy and Birritjimi.

Ralpa new starter Aaron Burarrwanga from Yirrkala said “Ralpa will provide me with a good future by getting organised for work and learning about Health and Safety to help us get jobs.

“It is all about working together, learning together, two ways and the balance between two worlds.”

In their first week, the Ralpa participants visited the Gove refinery site, Gumatj Nursery, Gumatj Timber Mill operations, Sodexo Gove House and local Indigenous business Yolngu Business Enterprise.


Pictured: (left to right) Sodexo head chef Mathew Swan with Ralpa participant Jacky Garrawurra.